1. Good Hygiene Practices Michel Vangeel November 2008 Revised November 2010 - Information provided subject to the 'Conditions for Sharing Materials and Advice' -

2. 2 Toxicology n “All substances are poisons, there is none which is not a poison. The right dose differentiates a poison and a remedy.” Paracelsus (1493-1541) n ALL chemicals have the ability to be toxic. n Hazard (toxicity) - the inherent ability for a chemical to produce adverse effects in a biological system. n Risk - the probability that a substance will produce harm under certain conditions of use/exposure. Dose Response

3. 3 Exposure n Common routes of exposure –Inhalation –Ingestion –Injection –Absorption n Improper chemical handling, storage and clean up account for the majority of exposures. n Periodic chemical monitoring is needed to assess exposure risk in the workplace during operations.

4. 4 Industrial Hygiene n Industrial Hygiene is the “science and art of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards in the workplace.” n When evaluating exposure it is important to review both the primary and secondary exposure potential.

5. 5 Primary Exposure Potential 4 3A/B 2 1 Local Exhaust General Exhaust Directional Laminar Flow Laminar Flow Isolation/Barrier Isolation/Barrier/ Administrative controls < 0.01 mg/day >100 mg/day PBOEL Clinical Dose Open Systems Closed Systems n Primary exposure is controlled through equipment and PPE.

6. 6 Secondary Exposure Potential n Secondary exposure is critical because the people exposed usually are not aware of the hazard present. n The key to preventing secondary exposure is housekeeping and proper decontamination. n Through good general hygiene and housekeeping the potential of secondary contamination is reduced.

7. 7 Good Work Practices n Use controls effectively n Good handling practices n Good cleaning practices n Correct use of PPE

8. 8 Using Controls Effectively n Enclosures are only effective if they are closed Keep enclosures closed when possible

9. 9 Local Extract Ventilation n Local Extract must be close to the source Rule of thumb: Distance from source should be diameter of opening or less

10. 10 Good Work Practices n Using controls effectively n Good handling practices n Cleaning n Correct use of PPE

11. 11 Good Handling Practice n Small things make a big difference to your exposure: –Untie / tie drum liners carefully, pointing away –Minimise material drop height –Use drum lifters/vacuum charger/various tools whenever possible –Roll inner liners / bags and dispose of with care –Work with a colleague when it helps to reduce exposure or increase safety

12. 12 Good Handling Practice n Open/close solvent drums with care, at maximum possible distance n Use best method available to dispense solvents n Cap solvent pipes when not in use, and hang in place n Avoid spills

13. 13 Good Handling Practice n Don’t overfill containers n Place lids on containers/waste bins n Avoid splashes and spills

14. 14 Avoid the spread of hazardous substances

15. 15 Avoid contamination outside of bag, container, …

16. 16 Avoid contamination outside of bag, container, …

17. 17 Avoid contamination outside of bag, container, …

18. 18 Good Handling Practice: Liquid storage and waste handling Label all drums and containers Store liquid containers on bunds Use sealed containers for waste solvent

19. 19 Good Handling Practice: Take care with waste. Know what doesn’t mix Never pour chemicals down drain/sink

20. 20 Good Handling Practice: Segregate and store chemicals safely

21. 21 Good Handling Practice: Avoid skin contact

22. 22 Good Handling Practice: Avoid skin contact and ingestion

23. 23 Food and Drink Practices n Do not eat or drink in labs or production areas. –Provide separate break room from areas where chemicals are handled. n Do not store food or drinks in laboratories or production areas. n Do not chew gum or apply cosmetics when handling or around chemicals.

24. 24 Smoking and Chemical Storage n Smoke only in designated areas outside of production and lab areas. –Never smoke around chemicals or flammable materials. n Chemical storage areas need to be orderly and maintained. –Do not mix incompatible chemicals. –Store chemicals away from offices and break rooms.

25. 25 Good Work Practices n Using controls effectively n Good Handling practices n Clean as you go n Correct use of PPE

26. 26 Cleaning: Keep a clean area

27. 27 Cleaning: Removing Dust Spills n Don’t sweep n Wet wipe or vacuum n For hazardous materials, use HEPA vacuum

28. 28 Cleaning: Removing Liquid Spills n The response to a spill should be proportionate to the hazard n Clean spills immediately Small spill – quick clean Larger, hazardous spill – major clean Protect yourself first Larger, hazardous spill – major clean Protect yourself first

29. 29 Cleaning yourself! Don’t shake, or brush clothing, or use compressed air Wet wipe, mist shower or vacuum

30. 30 Cleaning yourself Wash hands regularly Shower at shift end Separate clean/dirty clothes DON’T bring work clothes home Get clothes cleaned regularly Separate clean/dirty clothes DON’T bring work clothes home Get clothes cleaned regularly

31. 31 Good Work Practices n Using controls effectively n Good Handling practices n Clean as you go n Correct use of PPE

32. 32 Laboratories and PPE n Labs coats and PPE should be worn when handling chemicals. –Lab coats and PPE should not be taken into break rooms or offices. –Lab coats or disposable garments are good alternatives. –Provide storage and gown/degowning areas.

33. 33 Production Areas Uniforms and PPE n Uniforms should be provided as needed. –Street clothes should not be worn where chemicals are handled. –Provide lab coats for visitors. n PPE –Should be worn according the manufacture specifications. –Should be readily available and in the proper sizes.

34. 34 Protect yourself n Use of PPE may not always be directed, for example: –Infrequent tasks –Unplanned tasks (clearing blockages etc.) –Short duration repairs/maintenance –Cleaning taks, you may not have been directed to use PPE n Be safe, be sure … n …where there might be exposure, don’t wait to be told. Protect yourself This worker doesn’t have face or hand protection

35. 35 Good Use of Personal Protective Equipment n Wear Personal Protective Equipment when directed n Follow directions for correct use carefully You might not think you need it but …..

36. 36 Put PPE on and off in the recommended sequence 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 Clean hands before putting on and after taking off PPE ON OFF

37. 37 When to remove RPE n Hazardous substances stay in the air for a time. Keep RPE on for about 15 minutes after handling very toxic substances n You can’t normally see or smell them

38. 38 Care of PPE n Take care of your PPE – it will take care of you n Replace it when it is worn, heavily contaminated or damaged n Store it in clean areas

39. 39 Uniform Cleaning and PPE Disposal n Cleaned on site or through approved vendor –Ensure that the vendor is aware of potential chemical hazards present on the garments. n Disposal of PPE should be adequate and follow good handling practices. –Dedicated disposal bins for contaminated garments. –Minimize any contact with contaminated surfaces. –Reuse of disposable PPE shall not be permitted.

40. 40 Training n All employees should receive training on good hygiene practices including; –Proper chemical handling, storage and housekeeping. –Site policy on food, drink and smoking n Signs should be posted in visible areas outlining the policy.

41. 41 Key Points n Good chemical handling, storage and general hygiene practices will help prevent secondary chemical exposure n Handling hazardous chemicals requires extra care Recognise when extra care is needed n Use PPE when it is needed and use it well n PPE should not be worn into office areas, common areas or break rooms n Use controls effectively n Use good handling techniques n Clean as you go n Provide hand washing stations and showering facilities n Training and awareness is key to ensure compliance